TRAVEL

Sea cruise service launched

Shirajiv Sirimane

CeySail Cruises (Pvt) Ltd and Orange Green Eco (Pvt.) Ltd has launched a luxury Sea Cruise Service to the Sri Lankan market.

The company has purchased two yachts including a double decked vessel to launch this operation in Sri Lanka creating a major void for the leisure industry. These yachts have been purchased from USA and Seychelles, all three vessels are less than three years old.

Rajiv Seneviratne Chief Commercial Officer, of the company said that they invested nearly US $ one million to introduce this service to Sri Lanka.

He said that they could operate this service anywhere in Sri Lanka.

“We are currently operating from Kalutara and Trincomalee and would soon add Pasikuda to our map.”

Although Sri Lanka is an island and promoting Tourism in a big way the potential in the yacht tourism sector has not been explored. “This is the reason why we decided to launch this operation in Sri Lanka,” he said.

The double decked vessel would have two hauls with four bedrooms, attached toilets and 12 passengers could use it for a day, for 10 if its an overnight trip. It also has a fully equipped pantry. “On board breakfast and meals are also being offered and the yachts are in demand for parties as well as for honeymooners,” he said.

The yachts are also being used for Whale watching snorkeling and diving especially in Trincomalee.

Their Monohull vessel is used in Kalutara mainly for river cruises. “In a bid to offer this service for local tourist we will offer a three hour river cruise for an affordable rate,” he added.

He said that they have travel agents as well as partner hotels, in both Kalutara and Trincomalee, who support accommodation, transport and other logistics to the yachts for passengers.

Captain Nalin Peiris, Group Director, said that safety of the vessels is of international standard. “Our crew is specially trained by international instructors and we have all the safety equipment including first aid on board,” he added.

He also thanked the government for their support for a project of this nature which is new to Sri Lanka.

Peter J. O. Van Tilburg Managing Director, Orange Green Eco (Pvt.) Ltd, said that they would further re invest to acquire another passenger cruise ship similar to the Jetliner vessel which could accommodate around 100 passengers. The company also hopes to open a 'boat school', to train youth for the industry. “We have already obtained land for this in Kalutara.” “We will also look at a boat building industry next year,” he said.

CHSGA introduces discounts on card

The Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association – the largest professional local body affiliated to The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (which deals in hotel academic and career development needs of aspiring youth) the only Government approved premier institute in Sri Lanka, has introduced a new membership card which has multiple facilities and value additions to its user.

By utilizing this card, members can enjoy a wide array of discounts offered through various catering establishments as well as commercial enterprises - ranging from hotels, restaurants, suppliers of hotel equipment to dealers of bookshops.




 

Speedrome to reinvest in more luxuries

Shirajiv Sirimane

The innovative Speedrome entertainment area in Pellawatta Battaramulla is to reinvest adding more luxuries to the complex.

Owned and operated by McLarens Group, the Management is now looking at introducing a Karoke Lounge to meet the growing demands of its guest.

The Speedrome is a popular venue for Go-Karting and The Grid Restaurant is also very popular among hotels. “We have a steady clientele who is being forwarded by travel agents and hotels,” said Ajantha Thanthulage Media and Promotions Manager.

The Grid Restaurant has a special area with toys for kids. It could accommodate nearly 120 guests and is fast making a name for hosting special corporate events, such as birthday parties, theme nights and special shows. “We also have a swimming pool and space to host many events,” he added.

Some of the attractions at the venue

Supervisors, trevor lafaber and S. Gallage

He said that the facility was first created to woo motor racing fraternity and today it is popular as a family entertainment venue.

The Speedrome could accommodate 75 vehicles.

Speeddrome has an excellent facility for racing meets in general and has witnessed some great events todate. The racing fraternity has identified this location as one of the best tracks for Go-Kart Racing and has held several events.

Go-Karting has been the main sport in the complex for both experienced drivers and novices .

He said that with the success of this venue the management is looking at building a new hotel in the Pannala Race track in the future.

McLarens Group also owns and operates, Topaz and Tourmaline in Kandy and also manges Palm Village in Uswetakeiyawa.

Nilaveli, Tangerine hotels earn Tripadvisor

Nilaveli Beach Hotel Trincomalee and Tangerine Beach Hotel Kalutara which was established in 1974 and 1982 respectively received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Our hotels are being continuously upgraded in keeping with the demand. They also commented that we strive to offer our customers a memorable experience of the hotel and to experience the unique natural beauty to historic and cultural significance of Trincomalee and Kalutara, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor,” said both Travice Ondaatjie, Managing Director of Nilaveli Beach Hotel and Ms. Angeline Ondaatjie Managing Director of Tangerine Beach Hotel.

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.” Nilaveli Beach Hotel in the locality of Nilaveli and Trincomalee hotel has 23 standard rooms and 22 deluxe rooms with either balconies or private patios.

Tangerine beach hotel consists of 166 rooms, a presidential suite and 6 suites, each one complete with expansive ocean views from your own private balcony or patio. The entire project is handled internally headed by the Group Engineer Manil Galagoda Tangerine beach has won many other accolades over the years for food and service from many leading foreign tour operators from UK and Europe.